With an aim to attract investments for building tourism infrastructure, Government of Gujarat has introduced a new tourism policy, which will be in effect till March 31, 2020. It is with this new policy that the tourism sector has been given the industry status. The new tourism policy will provide investment opportunities in eco tourism projects, beach tourism and water sports projects, heritage tourism projects, international Buddhist circuit, wayside amenities/ cafeteria, cleanliness projects and greenfield properties for development. Gujarat Tourism is looking at adopting PPP model in tourism projects. An event, ‘Exploring Investment Opportunities- an interactive meet on Gujarat Tourism Policy’ was organised in Mumbai today where Saurabhbhai Patel, minister of tourism, Government of Gujarat said, “The new tourism policy will provide many incentives and concessions such as capital subsidy, interest subsidy, registration/ stamp duty concession, exemption from luxury tax, exemption from entertainment tax, exemption from electricity duty, support for sustainable tourism, special package for mega tourism units, incentive for promotion of innovation, support for marketing and promotion, incentives for skill development / ICT enablement, assistance for research in tourism/ hospitality industry.” All the commercial new operations during the policy period and existing tourism unit undertaking expansion of more than 50 per cent of its existing capacities will be eligible for these incentives.

Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi has invested INR 200 crore in developing a themed resort and township in Gujarat. The ‘Royal Beach City- The Goa’ resort and township, spread over 100 acres, which is 35 km from Ahmedabad, will offer 27 world class amenities. Speaking about the same on the sidelines of the event held in Mumbai, ‘Exploring Investment Opportunities- an interactive meet on Gujarat Tourism Policy’, Oberoi informed, “We have now decided to double our investment to INR 400 crore after Gujarat Tourism has announced the new tourism policy. We have created a first-of-its- kind floating cinema, an artificial beach with a wave pool, recreational facilities for children and senior citizens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The idea is to encourage weekend travel and increase domestic tourism. The project is in the final completion stages and should be soon operational. We are also looking at developing 600 keys five-star accommodations, apart from a convention centre. We will organise music festivals, cultural activities, volleyball tournments as well as promote destination wedding opportunities at the resort.”